[Unedited] Luke Timothy Johnson With Krista Tippett (On Marriage, Family, And Divorce)
Jul 25, 2003
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In this engaging talk, Luke Timothy Johnson, a New Testament scholar, dives into the complexities of marriage, family, and divorce through a biblical lens. He discusses how American views on courtship intertwine with ancient scriptures, revealing surprising ambiguities in New Testament teachings. The conversation also touches on the evolving definitions of family, the role of personal choice, and modern implications of love and ethics within marriage. They challenge conventional church stances on sexuality and call for a more inclusive understanding in faith communities.
The podcast explores the complexities of biblical teachings on marriage, highlighting a duality between familial obligations and personal faith commitments.
It emphasizes the multifaceted understanding of love in marriage as encompassing agape, eros, and philia, encouraging genuine relational growth and support.
Deep dives
The Challenge of Interpreting Ancient Texts
Engaging with ancient texts, particularly those of the Bible, presents significant challenges due to the vast cultural differences between then and now. Such texts provide complex views on family and gender constructions, making them difficult to apply as normative guidelines for contemporary life. However, while these writings may lack straightforward applications, they also capture profound truths that continue to resonate with believers today. These texts are seen not only as historical artifacts but also as sources of spiritual guidance that connect the lived experiences of faith communities to their understanding of divine principles.
The Complex Relationship Between Marriage and Christian Teaching
Christian teachings about marriage often reveal a contradiction between affirming familial structures and calling for personal commitment to faith over family. Jesus’ call to prioritize discipleship over familial ties presents a tension that challenges traditional views of marriage. While the New Testament includes passages affirming familial obligations, it simultaneously raises questions about their ultimate importance in relation to following Christ. This duality invites reflection on the nature of commitment, suggesting that genuine love within family structures can coexist with a higher call to relational growth beyond familial boundaries.
Dynamic Understanding of Love in Marriage
In the context of marriage, the New Testament promotes a multifaceted understanding of love that extends beyond mere contract or emotional attachment. The concepts of agape, eros, and philia offer a framework for nurturing marriage, highlighting self-giving love, erotic connection, and deep friendship as crucial components. Each partner is encouraged to cultivate a nurturing relationship that respects individuality while fostering intimacy and connection. This perspective challenges individuals to prioritize their partner's needs and cultivate a love that supports mutual growth, rather than using one another to meet personal desires.
Navigating the Realities of Divorce and Community
Divorce remains a poignant issue within contemporary Christianity, often confronted with tension between scriptural ideals and individual experiences. The New Testament emphasizes the sanctity of marriage while acknowledging human frailty, leading to a nuanced discussion about the realities faced by couples. It calls for a compassionate approach to those navigating divorce, recognizing it as a complex human experience that requires accountability and understanding rather than condemnation. This perspective urges a reexamination of community support structures that accompany marital commitments, promoting a more holistic view of relationships and their inherent challenges.
American ideals of courtship and marriage echo with Biblical imagery — “bone of my bones” “flesh of my flesh.” But what does the Bible really say, and how has it been taught across the centuries in which the institution of marriage has changed dramatically? With a rabbi and a New Testament scholar, we explore nuances of biblical teachings about marriage, family, and divorce — the surprising ambiguities of the New Testament and the striking practicality of Jewish tradition across the ages. See more at onbeing.org/program/marriage-family-and-divorce/129
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